Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites are so called because they radiate out from a central colony via underground tunnels (galleries) in search of timber up to 100 meters away to utilize as a food source.
In many cases, the population of the termite colony may exceed one million individual termites.
Termites cause more economic damage to dwellings in Australia than fire and all natural disasters combined.
Once inside the building, they work away, unseen behind wall sheeting, 24 hours a day.
Often times they are not noticed until severe damage has been caused to the building.
Termites have even been known to cause house fires by constructing 'mud nests' in walls directly behind power points and electrical fittings.
A study carried out by the University of NSW found that 1 in 3 dwellings is expected to suffer termite damage.
